the Sharp End Podcast

Ep 130 - The Differences Between Personal and Professional Risk Management - Jason Martin

In this episode, Jason Martin, my friend and director of the American Alpine Institute, shares his insights on risk management in climbing and outdoor activities. He discusses personal experiences with accidents, the importance of mental health for guides, and the complacency that can arise from familiarity with certain climbing areas. The conversation also delves into heuristics in decision-making, cultural biases that affect risk perception, and the differences in risk-taking behavior between personal and professional settings. Jason emphasizes the importance of safety gear and protocols, and the need for continuous education in risk management.

Congratulations to Stephanie S. in Tennessee for winning October’s Rocky Talkie Giveaway!

Make sure to sign up for the AutoSock giveaway at www.thesharpendpodcast.com from November 1-14. Drawing will be on November 15th.

Check out all of the courses American Alpine Institute offers at alpineinstitute.com
Read this article about “Two Acronyms that Can Save Your Life” from the Alpine Institute.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.
This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and AutoSock.


→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 10% Train to Mountain app 30 day FREE trial with code TSEPTTM or click on this link https://app.traintomountain.com/trial/peak-prep?ref=TSEPTTM
→ 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND
→ 10% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses with code SHARPEND10
→ 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Music licensed through Soundstripe.
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In this month’s episode, I talk with Kelsey as she shares her intense experience climbing the Grand Teton in August of 2026. We discuss the lessons learned about altitude illness, honesty in team settings, and the importance of preparation and self-awareness in high-altitude mountaineering.

Make sure to sign up for the Rocky Talkie giveaway at thesharpendpodcast.com from Oct 1-14.
Drawing will be on October 15th.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.
This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and AutoSock.


→ 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND10
→ 10% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses with code SHARPEND10
→ 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

In this episode, James and George share a gripping rescue story from Thailand, highlighting the importance of teamwork, planning, and first aid skills in emergency situations. Discover how their climbing experience and quick thinking saved a BASE Jumper’s life in a challenging environment.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.
This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie, the American Alpine Institute and onX Backcountry.

→ 10% off physician designed emergency kits at OZIO with code SHARPEND10
→ 14% off all open enrollment Desert Mountain Medicine courses that start between now and November 1st with code SHARPEND14
→ 60% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND60
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

Ep 127 - Trapped by Wilderness Fires - Juliet and Amy

Tune into this episode to hear Juliet Evans and Amy Lu recount their harrowing experience in the North Cascades, navigating a wildfire threat during a backpacking trip. Learn about their decision-making, resourcefulness, and the importance of communication in outdoor safety.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe.
This episode is sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26

In this episode of the Sharp End Podcast, Zach Watson shares a gripping story of a mountain accident in the Bugaboos, highlighting the importance of preparation, communication, and mental resilience in mountain rescue scenarios. Learn key lessons on safety gear, decision-making, and the value of strong partnerships in outdoor adventures.

Zach Watson is a technologist based in Squamish, British Columbia, with a passion for outdoor climbing and recreation. With several years of climbing experience, he has tackled various routes across the West Coast, including the Bugaboos, making him a knowledgeable voice on the subject.

This podcast is produced by Ashley Saupe and sponsored by Rocky Talkie and onX Backcountry.

→ 70% off onX Backcountry Premium or Elite - SHARPEND70
→ 10% off Rocky Talkie radios at RockyTalkie.com/SharpEnd
→ 15% online Responder Alliance trainings, including the Responder HUB - SHARPEND
→ 10% off Wallpoppe - SHARPEND
→ 15% off SWOOP. garments - SHARPEND
→ 10% off any wilderness med course with Desert Mountain Medicine - SHARPEND
→ Use code SHARPEND to waive the activation fee on ZOLEO
→ Global Rescue Insurance: https://partner.globalrescue.com/thesharpendpodcast/index.html
→ 20% off American Alpine Club membership with code sharpend26